Arsenal remain concerned about the fitness of Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of this weekend’s game against Leeds United, according to a report.

Arsenal’s summer signings from Manchester City both missed out on the trip to Norway on Thursday, with both Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko absent from training earlier in the week.

But whilst Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jesus was simply being rested for Sunday’s game, Zinchenko’s fitness status is a lot less clear.

The Evening Standard report that Arsenal still have concerns over Zinchenko, as he continues to deal with a calf injury. The Gunners will continue to assess the player ahead of the weekend.

For the time being, that leaves Arsenal a little short in defensive areas. Kieran Tierney is the only full-time left-back, which is why Takehiro Tomiyasu has had to play the position in recent games.

Tomiyasu is obviously also cover at right-back, though Cedric Soares’ return has eased the situation on that side, as he can rotate with Ben White.

But with White and Tomiyasu both needed in full-back areas, Arsenal only have Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Rob Holding for the two centre-back positions.

Without Zinchenko, Arsenal only have seven senior defenders, which isn’t quite enough to name two separate back fours from game to game. At least one player will have to play twice in three days.

It’s yet another example of how threadbare Arsenal’s current squad is, and they really can’t afford any further injury setbacks ahead of the World Cup.